Daijiworld Media Network – Kalyan

Kalyan, Oct 31: A drunken tempo driver created chaos at a traffic police post in Kalyan (East) after being stopped during a routine check, threatening officers by shouting, “I will kill myself! Whose side are you on?” The incident occurred late on Thursday night at the Chakkinaka traffic police post.

The accused has been identified as Mahesh Malhari Salunkhe (40), a resident of Ulhasnagar. Following the incident, a case has been registered against him at Kolsewadi Police Station for obstructing government work and assaulting police personnel.

According to the complaint filed by Traffic Police Officer Anandrao Thorat, he and his colleagues were conducting a traffic regulation and blockade operation at Chakkinaka when they noticed a tempo being driven recklessly. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver, Mahesh, immediately began arguing with the officers, demanding to know why he was stopped. It soon became apparent that he was under the influence of alcohol.

The officers escorted him to the Chakkinaka traffic post for further questioning and a breathalyzer test. However, the driver became aggressive and shouted, “Under what authority are you conducting this test?” He then grabbed the collar of a police officer’s shirt and physically assaulted him.

A video of the incident has since gone viral, showing the accused pushing and shoving the officers inside the police post. When police tried to restrain him, he vandalised office equipment and even banged his head against a window, injuring himself.

In the scuffle, he also pushed traffic officers Oamase and Avinash Rathod, further hindering official duty.

Police have registered a case under relevant sections for assault, obstruction, and damage to public property. The investigation is being carried out under the supervision of Senior Police Inspector Hemant Gurav, led by Assistant Police Inspector Y. M. Ghongde.